Common Wildlife Issues in Hollywood, Florida

Raccoons, Skunks, Bats, and Squirrels

If wildlife has found its way into your attic, walls, or under your deck, Abell can help. We provide professional, humane wildlife control in Hollywood and surrounding areas, focusing on safe removal, prevention, and long-term protection for your home.

Hollywood's warm climate, lush landscaping, coastal greenways, and proximity to both the Everglades and the Intracoastal Waterway creates ideal conditions for raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels. Unlike northern states where wildlife intrusions peak in fall, Florida's year-round warmth means these animals are active in every season, constantly seeking safe, sheltered spaces to nest and raise their young. Attics, sheds, and crawl spaces are often their first choice.

Even small intrusions can quickly lead to serious damage. Chewed wiring, torn insulation, strong odors, and health risks are common problems. At Abell, we remove wildlife humanely, seal entry points, and prevent animals from returning.

Don't wait for a small problem to become a costly one. Contact Abell today for a free inspection and take the first step toward a wildlife-free home.

Raccoons are highly adaptable and often enter homes in Hollywood.

• They climb trees, fences, and structures to reach rooftops and attics.
• Inside, raccoons tear insulation, chew wiring, and damage ducts, creating fire hazards and expensive repairs.
• Their droppings may carry diseases like roundworm and leptospirosis.
• Raccoons can also burrow under decks, sheds, and porches, causing structural damage.
• Sealing all entry points and using humane exclusion methods is essential to prevent re-entry.

Skunks are common in West Palm Beach yards and green spaces.

• They dig in lawns and gardens searching for insects and grubs.
• Burrows beneath decks, porches, and sheds can damage property foundations.
• Skunks carry diseases, and their spray is difficult to remove from pets and surfaces.
• Professional skunk removal ensures safety for both people and animals.
• Installing exclusion barriers prevents skunks from returning.

Bats are important for controlling insects but can create risks inside homes.

• They enter through small gaps in chimneys, vents, rooflines, or soffits.
• Bat droppings can damage insulation, compromise structures, and pose respiratory hazards.
• Safe bat removal involves professional attic inspections and one-way doors.
• Chimney caps and vent covers are effective preventative measures.

 

Squirrels may appear harmless but can cause serious property damage.

• They squeeze through small gaps near chimneys, vents, soffits, or rooflines.
• Inside attics, squirrels build nests using insulation and chew wiring, creating fire hazards.
• Squirrels can also carry fleas, mites, or ticks into the home.
• Professional removal and exclusion prevent repeat infestations.

 

How to Protect Your Hollywood Home

• Inspect roofs, vents, chimneys, and soffits for gaps or damage and repair promptly.
• Install chimney caps to block raccoons, skunks, and bats.
• Trim tree branches near rooftops to prevent wildlife access.
• Keep garbage bins secured and remove outdoor pet food.
• Maintain decks and sheds to eliminate nesting areas.
• Consider professional wildlife exclusion systems for long-term protection.

Abell’s wildlife control services include:

• Comprehensive inspections to locate entry points and assess damage
• Humane exclusion using one-way doors and animal-proof sealing
• Preventive measures to stop future wildlife problems

FAQ

Can squirrels and raccoons actually damage my home?

The damage can be more serious than most homeowners expect. Both animals tear through insulation, compromise roofing and ventilation systems, and chew electrical wiring, creating costly repairs and a real fire hazard.

What diseases do raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and bats carry?

All four animals pose health risks that shouldn't be taken lightly. Raccoons can transmit rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm, and their droppings may harbor histoplasmosis. Skunks are associated with rabies and leptospirosis. Squirrels can spread leptospirosis and salmonella through urine, droppings, or bites, and often bring fleas, mites, and ticks into the home. Waste from any of these animals can seriously contaminate enclosed spaces like attics.

Why do animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and squirrels end up inside attics, chimneys, and under decks?

Wildlife gravitates toward quiet, enclosed spaces that offer shelter from predators and harsh weather, especially during nesting and overwintering seasons. Attics, chimneys, wall cavities, and under-deck areas provide exactly what they're looking for. Intrusions are most common in spring when females search for places to raise their young, and in fall when animals prepare for winter. All it takes is one small gap in a roofline, vent, or soffit.

How do I know if an animal has gotten into my attic?

Several signs point to a wildlife intrusion: scratching or thumping noises coming from above, chewed or broken roof vents and soffits, droppings, unexplained odors, or insulation that looks disturbed or pulled apart.

When is wildlife most active near residential homes?

Spring and fall see the highest levels of wildlife activity. Spring brings nesting season, when animals actively seek out warm, protected spaces to raise their litters. Fall triggers a second wave as animals look for places to shelter through winter. Attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and under-deck areas are most at risk during both periods.

Is wildlife removal a humane process?

Yes. Humane wildlife control focuses on safely evicting animals and preventing re-entry rather than causing harm. Abell uses one-way doors, exclusion techniques, and live trapping where permitted, always following local regulations and ethical standards. The goal is to protect both the homeowner and the animal.

Are raccoons dangerous to people and pets?

They can be. Raccoons carry serious diseases including rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm. They can also become aggressive when cornered or when protecting their young, posing a real risk to both household pets and people.

Why is something digging up my lawn at night?

Raccoons and skunks are almost certainly the cause. Both animals dig up grass and soil in search of grubs, insects, and larvae. If it's happening consistently, there's a strong chance an animal is living nearby, possibly denning under a deck or shed.

What should I do if I spot a skunk or raccoon on my property?

Keep your distance and don't attempt to engage with it. Contact Abell for a professional assessment to determine whether the animal has already found a way inside your home.

What happens to animals after they're removed?

Abell favors exclusion over trapping wherever possible. One-way doors allow animals to leave on their own without being handled. When trapping is required, it's done humanely and in accordance with local wildlife regulations.

How long does wildlife removal take?

It depends on the species and the extent of the situation. Simple cases can be wrapped up within a few days, while jobs involving young animals or significant exclusion work may take longer.

Can I seal the entry point myself?

It's strongly advised against. Sealing an opening before all animals have exited can trap them inside, leading to further damage, persistent odours, and health risks. A proper inspection must come first to confirm every access point has been identified and the space is clear before any repairs are made.

How can I keep wildlife from coming back?

Seal all entry points, install chimney caps and vent covers, trim back branches that hang over the roofline, remove accessible food sources, and use professional exclusion services for lasting protection.

What should I do if I find a sick, injured, or dead animal on my property?

Do not touch it. Sick or injured wildlife can be unpredictable and may carry disease. Contact a professional wildlife control company to handle the situation safely.

My pet was sprayed by a skunk or came into contact with wildlife. What should I do?

Keep your pet away from the animal and avoid touching it yourself. Skunk spray generally requires professional deodorization, and any contact between a pet and wildlife should be evaluated by a veterinarian due to the risk of disease transmission.

How much does wildlife removal cost in Hollywood, Florida?

Costs vary depending on species, extent of damage, and services required. Contact Abell for a customized on-site inspection and estimate.